AAP reshuffles constituency in-charges in Punjab, raising speculation on 2027 tickets

Barely seven months before the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections, the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has begun reorganising its constituency-level leadership by appointing new in-charges and promoting alternative figures alongside sitting MLAs. While the party has not officially linked these changes to ticket distribution, the emergence of parallel power centres has fuelled speculation in several constituencies.

In Bathinda Rural, retired sub-divisional magistrate Gopal Singh was appointed as the AAP's constituency in-charge. The seat is held by MLA Amit Rattan Kotfatta, who was arrested in February 2023 on bribery allegations and later granted bail; his trial continues. Kotfatta stated, “This is the fourth constituency in-charge appointed by the party in the past three years. It is the party’s decision.” He denied any connection to his pending case, calling it a fabricated attempt to tarnish his image.

In Bathinda Urban, represented by MLA Jagrup Singh Gill, Amarjeet Mehta—president of the Punjab Cricket Association—has become increasingly visible. Gill had earlier criticised the party for favouring Mehta's son Padamjeet in local body elections. Though Gill remains active, he has largely stayed away from party events. Mehta shared a campaign vehicle with Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and AAP convenor Arvind Kejriwal during a June roadshow.

Similar dynamics are evident in Sangrur, where MLA Narinder Kaur Bharaj faces competition from Gurmail Singh Gharachon, a former Lok Sabha bypoll candidate. Party sources say Gharachon influenced the appointment of a truck union president, while Bharaj's allies failed to secure a similar outcome. In Samana, the entry of former Akali Dal minister Surjit Singh Rakhra into AAP has created two parallel activity centres alongside MLA Chetan Singh Jauramajra.

In Patiala Rural, state health minister Balbir Singh faces a challenge from Patiala Deputy Mayor Jagdeep Jagga, who has put up posters asking voters to elect him in 2027. Balbir Singh responded, “Yes, I have seen a few posters… such things don’t bother me as I am busy with my constituency and the health department.” In Malerkotla, Anwar Bhasod, an AAP in-charge, has erected boards across town with slogans hinting at a fresh approach to local issues.

Political observers note that these appointments and public overtures could signal a reshuffling of candidates, but the party has made no announcements. The situation reflects internal adjustments as AAP prepares for the 2027 polls.